Sofitel is strengthening its presence on the banks of the Nile. The luxury brand already boasts prime positions in Egypt with the Winter Palace in Luxor and the legendary Old Cataract in Aswan, as well as its first hotel in Cairo, located on the tip of Gezira Island in the Zamalek district. Under an agreement with the International Company For Touristic Investments (ICTI), it will add a second hotel next January with taking over an existing hotelpreviously affiliated to the Conrad brand, part of the Hilton group. " We are proud to be working with Sofitel, Accor's luxury brand, to bring this exceptional property to life after its complete refurbishment." said Ayman Abdelaziz, CEO of ICTI.
Set along the Corniche, offering panoramic views over the Egyptian capital, the Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile is set to become the brand's largest hotel in the world, with 615 rooms and suites. Blending references to Egyptian heritage and French inspiration in its décor, the Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile is set to become a destination for business travellers with over 2,000 m² of banqueting and event space. There is also a spa, fitness centre and swimming pool, as well as four restaurants serving local or international cuisine for casual meals or elegant dinners on the banks of the Nile.
" This new signature reaffirms our commitment to Egypt, one of our key markets with great potential and famous for its rich heritage and vibrant tourist scene." commented Maud Bailly, General Manager of the Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems brands. Cairo has long been waiting for a new jewel in the crown, the GEM, the Great Egyptian Museum. Close to the pyramids, this major national project initiated in the 1990s has been gradually opening its doors since mid-October, pending the transfer of all the treasures from Tutankhamen's tomb, which will mark its real launch.
In the meantime, a hotel Hyatt Centric has just opened not far from there, in the western part of Cairo, in the direct vicinity of another hotel in the group, the Hyatt Regency Cairo West. This is the Centric brand's first hotel on the African continent, where it is deploying its lifestyle spiritThe hotel has also created a contemporary art gallery, in collaboration with 11 Egyptian artists. The common thread running through the 301 rooms and suites is a colourful designer baboon, a link between the present and the past, when baboons were deified in ancient Egypt. The hotel also boasts a large swimming pool - including a pool table - as well as a recording studio and several bars and restaurants, including the main table, Muse, a poolside bar and a Whiskey Lounge.
